Johnson: Harper Needs at Least Another Week, Rehab Start Before Return to Nats

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WASHINGTON (CBSDC) – By his own account, the results of Bryce Harper’s meeting with Dr. James Andrews Monday were “all good,” but even still, manager Davey Johnson says it will be at least another week before the 20-year-old slugger returns to the Nationals’ lineup.

“He’s still not able to get rid of that bursitis in there, and hopefully this treatment – the PRP or whatever it is and the cortisone shot – is going to get rid of it,” Johnson told the Junkies on 106.7 The Fan Wednesday. “You know that little bursa sac is a little nasty little thing. If it gets inflamed it’s hard to get it under control.”

“I think he’s definitely going to have to be doing no baseball activities for a week, and then for me he’s got to play, see if it’s not going to flare up,” Johnson elaborated.

With Harper needing a little more time for the inflammation to settle, his return to the big club will hinge on how the knee responds to the no-pressure situation of a Minor League start.

“I think he needs some rehab, probably Potomac, just to see that he can play; that the knee would hold up,” Johnson said. “I’m not worried about his timing or anything; I think he can hit falling out of bed.”

Johnson did admit the Nats miss his presence in the lineup though, saying his high energy is just “part of his aura” and his return is highly anticipated.

Seems that feeling is mutual.

I want to play already! Can't sit here and watch my boys out there! Miss being on the field! #DLsucks